“Loneliness brings health risks for seniors”

“For the elderly, loneliness and isolation are real problems that affect physical health as well as emotional well-being. One study showed that in people over 60, loneliness is associated with a decline in normal daily activities and mobility. The same study revealed that nearly half of participants reported feeling lonely at least some of the time.

Why is this? For many seniors, their spouses may have passed away and their children are grown and have moved or are busy with their careers or their own children. Decreased mobility may also play a part, preventing older people from getting out and doing the activities they enjoyed in the past. The resulting depression can end up creating a downward spiral of health issues.” MORE